The latest round of funding is part of $7.5 million Lotterywest has pledged to the new centre than will house Cancer Support WA, Breast Cancer Care WA, Melanoma WA and the Brady Cancer Support Foundation at the heritage listed Wanslea.

The 7430sq m former orphanage, managed by the National Trust, was built in 1905 and now comprises six buildings that contractors have been working on since last November.

Cancer Wellness Centre president Ross Taylor said it would be Australia’s first cancer support centre.

He said a trust left by the late Dorothy Brady would provide $120,000 a year for 10 years for rent and maintenance costs.

The Cancer Support WA life member will celebrate a milestone on December 28, which will be 20 years since he was first diagnosed with melanoma and given 12 months to live.

‘Cancer Support WA was the first the first place I came in to, reluctantly, and it changed my life,’ Mr Taylor said.